Friends of the Heysen Trail

Pewsey Vale To Tanunda
2014-08-24
This is an easy section of trail that runs through the northern section of Mt Crawford forests and through the native bushland of Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park with its unusual weathered rock features. Panoramic vistas over the Barossa Valley and Lower North are a highlight.

Onkaparinga River National Park
2014-08-24
A loop walk combining several of the trails in the Onkaparinga National Park Upper Gorge. Trails include the Nature Trail, Bakers Gully Track and Sundews Track. The walk has some steep sections and will be rewarded with great views over the gorge. There will be two creek crossing and depending on the level of the water you can expect to get wet. Bring crocs or sandals for creek crossing if you wish.

After the walk if we feel up to it, we can meet at Chapel Hill Winery 20 minutes drive from Gate 11.

Cox's Scrub
2014-08-24
Interesting walk looking at a variety of native trees, Tall sugar Gums, Young Red Gums, Pink Gums, Wattle. Walk approx. 11ks.

Their will be the opportunity to visit a display of Side Saddles and Antique clothing in the Southern Hemisphere and a Devonshire Tea afterwards if interested

Gerkie Gap - Peters Hill - Hamilton. Based in Riverton
2014-08-23 - 2014-08-24
Theme for the weekend is Marrabel, (take this however you like- its’ history, what happens there, your choice, surprise us,)

Easy walking this weekend!

Sat.23 Aug: We farewell the Tothill Range and head for Peters Hill … but don’t quite reach it today. Sorry, a lot of road walking today but we do get to see the life-size statue of the famous buck-jumping mare Curio in Marrabel.

Sun.24 Aug: Heading up towards Peters Hill we will take a short detour to Marshall’s Hut, one of the largest on the trail, before reaching the hill. Then we continue south along the wooded foothills to Cornvale Rd. where we pass by the neat-as-a-pin property of the same name.

Hale / Warren
2014-08-17
To quote from the bible for serious walkers, “Push the Bush”: “this walk takes you along delightful trails in two rugged areas of natural bush – the Warren and Hale Conservation Parks” which are separated by the South Para River. Considering the amount of rain we have received so far, crossing the river will or could present us with a challenge.

Balquhidder to Waitpinga
2014-08-17
Picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the chance to spot whales characterise this section of the Trail.

Second Creek
2014-08-17
following the trail of second creek to its source. Linear walk. A bus will take us to the confluence of the creek with the Torrens river and we will explore the historical landscape to the source.

Belair National Park
2014-08-17
A pleasant walk through parts of South Australia’s oldest park passing through Echo Tunnel, taking in the views at the Lower Waterfall and returning via Old Government House. This walk has a few short hills but will present no problems to walkers of moderate fitness.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road. Based in Burra
2014-08-16 - 2014-08-17
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST

This remote section of the Heysen Trail gives walkers their first introduction to the grazing lands beyond Goyders Line. After Wandallah Shelter walking is undulating until turning east toward Sugar Loaf Range. The track then turns to the north where Newikie Creek is reached via White Hill Road and Black Jack Shelter. This is an exposed and undulating walk with some very nice views.

SUNDAY 17 AUGUST

This section passes through Caroona Conservation Park and Tourilie Gorge, which is one of the lesser known gems of the Trail. Look out for the remnants of an old bullock track cut through the gorge.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – The Farrell Flat Community Management Committee will cater for the meal. They raise funds for the town assets, social activities and future planning. The committee has representatives from all the groups in the Farrell Flat community. Several residents in Farrell Flat are members of the Burra branch of the FoHT and are involved in the maintenance of the Trail in the areas we have walked over the 4 weekends we are based in Burra.

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – Miners

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Dashwood Gully Road To Mylor
2014-08-10
Picturesque walk through gently undulating farmlands and the northern blocks of Kuitpo Forest. The trail passes through the historic Jupiter Creek Goldfields near Echunga.

Shiraz Trail, Willunga
2014-08-10
Easy 2-hour walk on the Shiraz Trail past picturesque vineyards in McLaren Vale, followed by a good coffee at the finish.

Mayo Gorge to Parachilna
2014-08-09 - 2014-08-17
Six days walking from Mayo Gorge to Parachilna. See Heysen Trail Northern Guide Maps 5.3 to 6.8.

Cleland
2014-08-03
This walk incorporates the quieter outlying tracks of Cleland Conservation Park with some very special not well known trails. The relatively high altitude and some exposed tracks make this walk susceptible to inclement weather.

Ansteys Hill
2014-08-03
Starting from the car park we will ramble along bush tracks in a more remote area of the Park, before descending to the Newmans Nursery ruins; thence visit an old silver mine and take in the view at The Lookout, before returning to the car park.

Horrocks Pass to Broadview to Woolshed Flat
2014-08-02 - 2014-08-03
SATURDAY

Starting with a tough climb out of Horrocks Pass to the ridge, the Trail traverses exposed, gibber littered hills and farmland. Walkers are rewarded with views over the Willochra Plain.

SUNDAY

This section of the trail climbs through grazing land and natural scrub to Mount Brown, where walkers are provided with spectacular views of the northern Spencer Gulf from the viewing tower. A pretty single file descent leads to Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk.

WEEKEND BASE LOCATION

Quorn

THEME

Trains. We cross the Pichi Richi rail near Woolshed Flat.

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members.

7.00 pm at Emily’s Bistro, Quorn.

Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come (cobrien@internode.on.net).

Mount Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2014-07-27
Initially following forest edges and roadsides, the trail then make its way up and over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks, before descending to creek lines again. After a short detour to visit Freemans Hut, walkers follow farm tracks and road reserves through open big gum grazing land.

Sandergrove to Milang
2014-07-27
Lovely walk, initially along the Strathalbyn to Victor Harbor railway line and then along the old Sandergrove to Milang railway Corridor that has been turned into a walking trail. Flat walk with native bush, abundant bird life, Kangaroos and even the occasional Echidna.

Morialta
2014-07-27
A pleasant Sunday morning walk following the Yurrebilla Track from Norton Summit into Morialta Conservation Park. After dropping down to Centre Track we will climb up to Deep View Lookout then out via Rocky Hill returning to Norton Summit initally along Moores Road and Colonial Drive.

Old Burra Road - Webb Gap - Gerkie Gap. Based in Riverton
2014-07-26 - 2014-07-27
Theme: Christmas in July with a Secret Santa on Saturday night (max. value $10).

Sat.26th: Today we start the zig-zag down along the Tothill Range which feature great views, woodlands, rocky summits and farm tracks. We begin with a steep climb for great far-reaching views, then descend to Huppatz Hut. Next we hug the western foothills between the range and Apoinga Lagoon. Niblet Gap offers a crossing to the eastern side before reaching Webb Gap.

Sun.27th: We continue the zig-zag down along the Tothill Range passing through the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area. The views are still with us as are the wind turbines that are now a constant feature of the mid-north horizon. We finish the day near the bottom of the Tothill Range at Gerkie Gap.

Tappanappa to Balquhidder
2014-07-20
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail, walkers traverse native bushland, a long sandy beach, lush farmland and some very memorable hills. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale.

Mt Misery
2014-07-20
The tracks leading up to Mt Misery are littered with the blanched remains of many walkers. Why don’t you join me and contribute to the pile? Located to the north east of Montacute CP, Mt Misery offers memorable views when not fogged in by mist. Let us hope for reasonable good weather, says he, with all fingers crossed. A number of options to reach Mt Misery and the return journey (for those who make it) are available so bring enough water, two and half litres, and plenty of humour which should lighten the load and lessen the pain.

Sturt Gorge
2014-07-20
10km circuit walk from Blackwood to the flood control dam in Sturt Gorge. Includes a number of creek crossings (that rise after rain) and some hill climbing.

Hiking poles would be very useful to have.

General ‘what to bring’ reminders: lunch, nibbles, water, first aid kit, camera, hat, gloves and protective wet weather gear.

DUE TO THE NUMBER OF CREEK CROSSINGS, EXTREME WET WEATHER PRIOR TO THE WALK MAY RESULT IN IT BEING POSTPONED. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AHEAD OF TIME IF THIS DECISION IS MADE. (All crossings were easy on 14/07. Will check again during the week).

Worlds End to Burra to Wandallah. Based in Burra
2014-07-19 - 2014-07-20
SATURDAY 19 JULY

Although primarily a long, flat, treeless walk, along dirt roads and road reserves, this section provides walkers with a perspective on the diversity of landscapes of the Trail. The final few kilometres provide pleasant views over the historic Burra township.

SUNDAY 20 JULY

This section of the Trail goes through historic Burra, passing the old Redruth Gaol and other reminders of a bygone era. The trail then takes walkers over the exposed hills of the North Mount Lofty Ranges.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – The Burra Community School will cater for the meal. They are fundraising to send their Year 7 students to Canberra later in the year.

THEME FOR JULY – STRIPES

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Kyeema CP To Dashwood Gully Road
2014-07-13
The dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, the plantations of Kuitpo Forest and pretty back roads make this a pleasant winter walk.

Thomas Hill
2014-07-13
See one of the prettiest areas of the Adelaide Hills, so close to Adelaide. This is a loop walk around the Montacute Conservation Park and will be predominately along fire tracks, but provide magnificent views of the Kangaroo Creek and Millbrook Reservoirs, plus the summit of Mt Misery.

In total we will walk 16.8km however allow between 6 ½ – 7 hours. There are two extensive uphill sections, so above average fitness will be necessary to comfortably complete the walk.

Hazards: Moss on tracks in the pine forest and wet clay on Mt Misery may be very slippery.

Bikes

Kookaburras and kangaroos almost guaranteed, plus the odd echidna.

Expect 80% undulations.

Coffee, scones and medicinal alcohol at The Cudlee Cafe after the walk, a great way to catch up on the latest gossip.

Sleep's Hill
2014-07-13
Interesting mix of mining history, and a showcase of geology, bird life and native vegetation. interpretive signs show how the rock was quarried and treated.

A good introduction to bushwalking, a few steep sections, and rocky under foot which will be taken slowly.

Gandy's Gully same but different
2014-07-06
This walk is a hard walk and you will need to be up to it. Start with a steady climb with numerous ups & downs. Lunch will be at a small waterfall. Duration approx. 5 hours. walking poles would be helpful.

Amber's Gully
2014-07-06
A great walk to test the skills, with several sharp undulations. See the best of the Black Hill Conservation Park in a morning walk, being rewarded very quickly with magnificent views of Adelaide. Previous walks in this area have yielded kangaroo’s, koalas and an echidna.

Some recent uphill walking prior to participating would be an advantage.

Walk through the Sugar Loaves, then a steep track down to Ghost Tree Gully and up the Summit Link trail. Downhill from here, meandering along the Ambers Gully track, to the car park.

Should be comfortable 3 ½ hours, but have allowed plenty of time for the ups.

Meal after at Cafe Va Bene Campbelltown optional. Please let me know if you would like a meal in the notes, as being Sunday lunch, we may need to book a table.

Melrose to Alligator Gorge to Horrocks Pass
2014-07-05 - 2014-07-06
SATURDAY

This is a very long and difficult (but memorable) section of the Trail that starts with the ascent of Mt Remarkable, and continues through Mt Remarkable Conservation Park before emerging on Alligator Gorge Road.

SUNDAY

The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks.

WEEKEND BASE LOCATION

Melrose

THEME

Tour de France

Le Tour de France 2014 runs from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th. The 101th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,656 kilometres.

9 flat stages

5 hill stages

6 mountain stages with 5 altitude finishes

1 individual time trial stage

2 rest days

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members.

7.00 pm at North Star Hotel, Melrose.

Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come.

Boat Harbour Tapanappa Circuit
2014-06-29
This walk in the eastern end of the Deep Creek Conservation Park is a good introduction to one of our more spectacular Parks. Coastal views and the rugged terrain make this a unique area to walk in.
